Emmanuel Macron Photo: Almir Hamzagic
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to discuss the issue of tariffs on European agricultural products with US President Donald Trump. “I will talk to him about it, because we need to calm the situation,” the French leader said before the meeting in Washington on Monday. This was reported by AFP.
France is one of the leading exporters of agricultural and agro-industrial products, so Paris is seeking to protect its interests in the US market. Meanwhile, the US has imposed reciprocal duties and reintroduced tariffs on steel and aluminium. This is a concern for French winemakers, especially because of the possible increase in duties on cognac and wine, which are key exports to the US.
France is against the Mercosur deal
In addition to the issue of duties, Macron continues to oppose the ratification of the free trade agreement between the EU and the countries of the South American Mercosur bloc. According to the French leader, this agreement creates unequal conditions for European farmers. “Our farmers cannot be a variable that adapts to economic interests,” he said at the opening of the Paris Agricultural Salon.
France is looking for allies among EU countries to block the agreement, as its ratification requires the approval of at least 15 member states, representing 65% of the EU population. Macron stressed that protecting France’s and Europe’s food sovereignty is a priority for his government.
The future of trade relations
During the talks in Washington, Macron and Trump are expected to discuss not only economic issues but also the situation in Ukraine. The French president hopes to find compromise solutions and prevent an escalation of the trade conflict.
The Mercosur agreement, due to enter into force in 2024, has not yet been finalised and remains the subject of fierce debate. Paris insists that South American countries must comply with EU environmental and manufacturing standards to avoid unfair competition.
Whether Macron will be able to convince Trump and his European partners of the need to maintain a balanced trade policy will become clear in the near future.
